Sonic and friends battle Shadow in new Sonic The Hedgehog 3 trailer

The wait is finally over. Paramount Pictures and Sega have released a new trailer for the highly anticipated third installment in the Sonic The Hedgehog film series.

Taking place after the events of the second film and the Knuckles miniseries, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 finds the blue hedgehog reuniting with his friends Tails and Knuckles as they band together to take down Shadow the Hedgehog, one of Sonic’s most iconic rivals, after he escapes from a secret government facility and threatens to destroy Sonic’s found family. Shadow’s immense power is so strong that it forces Sonic and his friends to team up with Dr. Robotnik/Eggman.

Just like the first two films, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 features a ton of fast paced action sequences balanced out with Sonic’s signature humor and banter with his friends. There were plenty of references to the classic Sonic games, including the trailer’s music, so longtime fans will have a lot to look forward to. We also got a glimpse of Shadow in action, showing off his blazing speed and the incredible amount of power that gives Sonic a run for his money.

Several of the live action cast members, like James Marsden and Tika Sumpter, are returning. The voice cast also returns, with Ben Schwartz and Idris Elba as Sonic and Knuckles, respectively, and Keanu Reeves joining the group as the voice of Shadow. Jim Carrey also returns as Dr. Robotnik, but he will also be playing Robotnik’s grandfather Gerald Robotnik, a reveal that will hopefully shed some more light on the doctor’s past.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 releases on Dec. 20. Interestingly, the film will release on the same day as Mufasa: The Lion King, setting up for what could be a fun family box office battle.